Acts 16:11-15

Ps 149

John 15:26-16:4a

Devout witnesses

Dear friends in Christ, we are witnesses to the commitment of many women to the faith in our own time. Often they are very willing to give their very best in the worship of God and in service to the worshipping community. Not only at church celebrations, they are often the custodians of the faith in their families, passing on the same faith to their children and often pushing the men to do a bit more than just giving a passive attention to their faith.

Our first reading today (Acts 16:11-15) tells the story of one such woman—Lydia. Paul, the Apostle to the Gentiles, had brought the faith to Europe through Macedonia. Macedonia was the same city from where Alexander had set out nearly four hundred years before, to conquer the world and spread the Greek culture. When Paul came to the city, he went to the place where the Jews normally gather for their Sabbath near a river, to preach the gospel to them; there he met a few women. “One of these women was called Lydia, a devout woman from the town of Thyatira who was in the purple-dye trade.” According to the story, “She listened to us, and the Lord opened her heart to accept what Paul was saying.” The story of this woman has a contemporary ring to it. A strong, independent woman who, according to the writer, will ‘take no refusal,’ when she makes a request. The Apostles claimed no credit for this conversion, they believed it was the Lord that ‘opened her heart.’ That goes to confirm the saying, ‘Paul may plant and Apollos may water, it takes the grace of God to bear fruit.’ Lydia was baptised with her household. Being in the purple-dye trade, she must have been a wealthy woman, who would later invite the apostles to stay in her house, which became most likely the first church in Europe. Her invitation was, “If you really think me a true believer in the Lord, come and stay with us.” What an invitation? Are you a true believer in the Lord? Is your heart open to accept his word as preached to you, not picking and choosing what to believe?

Jesus in the Gospel (John 15:26-16:4) said to his disciples concerning the Spirit, “He will be my witness. And you too will be witnesses…” Authentic witnessing to Jesus is a loving response rather than a judgment that brings death. Hatred and persecution will be a terrifying experience for the disciples, yet they will have to hold on to the truth, with the courage that comes from the Spirit. The qualification of a witness is, that he knows the truth, is convinced of it, and wants to tell that truth to others. That is what it means to be a martyr.

Like Lydia you need to listen to the truth, accept the truth, live that truth, and spread it to others. You must become an authentic witness, and a true believer.

Let us pray: Give us the grace Lord, to be your authentic witnesses in the world of our time. Amen. 

+Remain blessed